Conductor wire cleaning device



Aug. 23, 1966 P. E. cox

couvuc'ron WIRE CLEANING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 30, 1962 INVENTOR PAUL ELBERT COX AG E NTS Aug. 23, 1966 P. E. cox

CONDUCTOR WIRE CLEANING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 50, 1962 INVENTOR PAUL ELBERT COX AGENTS United States Patent 3,267,507 CONDUCTOR WIRE CLEANING DEVICE Paul Elbert Cox, 210 Pine St., Fuquay Springs, Nd). Filed Mar. 30, 1962, Ser. No. 183,901 8 Claims. ((11. 1S-16 The present invention relates to a new and improved cleaning device, and more particularly to a new and impnoved cleaning device to be employed in the cleaning of electrical conductor and like cables without fear or harm to the user.

Overhead electrical metal conductor cables are in widespread use today in the transmission of high voltage current, such conductors consisting usually of a plurality of wire strands spirally wound with respect to one another to produce a rather large cable. Such conductor cables possess a disadvantage in that the surface is exposed to the weather, which results in a formation of an oxide coating thereon which tends, over a period of time, to reduce the conductive capacity of the metal cables. Moreover, such cables, being in the form of convolutely wound strands, possess many pockets which tend to entrap dirt and the like, which likewise tend to reduce the conductive capacity of such cables. Thus a problem has long existed in the use of such conductor cables with respect to maintaining the cables in a fairly clean, highly conductive state.

The problem of safely and satisfactorily removing oxide scale from conductor cables in an economical manner has not been solved prior to the advent of the present invention. Obviously, it is highly uneconomical to throw a conductor line out of service merely to clean same, since it represents a direct loss of revenue. Moreover, cleaning the conductor wire while the line is in service is highly dangerous, since there is the ever continuous possibility of electrocution of the worker endeavoring to effect the desired cleaning. Further, prior cleaning devices for use on conductor cables when same is in service have been highly unsatisfactory.

It is therefore a principal object in the elimination of the foregoing and related disadvantages to provide a new and novel cleaning device for use with conductor lines and the like.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a cleaning device for use with conductor lines which removes oxide scale, dirt, and the like from the conductor.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a cleaning device which permits the ready cleaning of the conductor line while in service without harm to the worker utilizing the cleaning device.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a cleaning device for use in conductor lines which is extremely simple in design and quite cheap in cost.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a cleaning device for use with conductor cables and the like which is highly portable and may be readily carried by hand.

Other and additional objects of the present invention will become manifest from the ensuing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Broadly stated, the cleaning device of the present invention comprises a backing member shaped to cover at least one-half the circumferential area of a conductor cable, a substantially stiff textile member secured to the inner surfaces of said backing member, and a plurality of tempered metal bristles secured at one end of said textile member and extending outwardly therefrom, the free end of said metal bristles adapted to engage the surface of the conductor cable during the cleaning thereof.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the present invention then consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The annexed drawings and the following description setting forth in detail certain means in the carrying out of the invention, such disclosed means illustrating, however, but one of various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

The present invention is illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation of the cleaning device made in accordance with the present invention shown in a nonenga'ged state with respect to a conductor cable.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the cleaning device made in accordance with the present invention, with the cleaning device being in a nonengaged state with respect to a conductor cable.

FIG. 3 is an end elevation of the cleaning device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, with same shown in cleaning engagement with a conductor cable.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another form of the cleaning device made in accordance with the present in vention which is capable of being used to achieve the desired cleaning by a direct manual operation thereof.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another form of a cleaning device made in accordance with the present invention which is to be used when the conductor wire is in service.

FIG. 6 is an end elevation of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 5, the same being shown in operating relationship to a conductor cable.

FiG. 7 is a perspective view of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 5 illustrating the cleaning of the upper half of the conductor cable.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 5 illustrating the cleaning of the lower half of a conductor cable.

Referring now to the drawings, and with particular reference to FIGS. l-3, an illustrative embodiment made in accordance with the present invention and generally designated by reference numeral 10 is shown. The cleaning device 10 comprises a backing member 11 which is wound in a spiral or convolute form such that in crosssectional area the backing member, as shown in FIG. 3,

will constitute a completely circular opening. The backing member 11 may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, metal, plastic, or the like, with metal being the preferred form in this particular embodiment. The convolutely wound backing member 11 includes an integrally formed handle portion 12 which serves the function of detachably engaging an operating stick or handle (not shown), known in the trade as a hot stick, and which is operated by a worker standing on the ground. The handle 12 is provided with an angled slot 13 which extends inwardly thereinto from one end thereof in slightly angled relationship therewith. The top surface of the handle member 12 is provided with a pair of ridge members 14 which converge outwardly in angled relationship, and away from the terminal end of the slot 13. The ridge members 14 in conjunction with the slot 13 are adapted to receive and retain a hot stick (not shown), which is provided with a pair of angled fingers, with the free end of the hot stick passing into the slot 13, with the finger members engaging the ridge member to place the cleaning device 10 in operative relationship with the hot stick.

The cleaning element, generally designated by reference numeral 15, is secured to the inside surface of the spiral or convolutely wound portion of the backing member 11 in any suitable manner. The cleaning element 15, as illustrated, comprises a fairly thick textile backing fabric 16 into which a great plurality of tempered steel bristles 16a are embedded at one end thereinto, with the free end extending outwardly therefrom forming an extremely closely space-d bristle surface for the extent of the convolutely wound portion of the backing member 11. The cleaning element 15 just described, and which is the preferred material to be employed in the present invention, is a product known in the textile trade as carding cloth, which is used on carding machines. Such a product, as hereinbefore described, possesses a fairly thick, sturdy textile backing with a great many tempered steel bristles being secured at one end thereinto and extending outwardly therefrom in transverse relationship thereto, with the bristles being extremely closely spaced together and forming a metal surface of many tiny, substantially stiff bristles 16a, which have been found to be particularly advantageous in cleaning conductor cables and the like. The metal to metal contact insures a removal of all oxide scale and dirt, as well as working down into the crevices of the cable to insure a loosening and removal of the dirt. While such material is preferred, it is to be clearly understood that any other material presenting a metal bristle surface can be employed equally as well.

The cleaning element 15 may be secured in any suitable manner to the inside surface of the backing member 11. It is preferred that the cleaning element be detachable from the backing member 11, since it will thus permit the replacement of a worn cleaning element readily with a new cleaning element. As illustrated, the backing member 11 adjacent the handle portion 12 is provided with a stepped retaining member 17, which is adapted to receive one end of the textile backing 16 of the cleaning element 15 between it and the inside surface of the backing member 11. A pair of spaced bolts 18 extend through the stepped retaining member 17, the textile backing 16, and the backing member 11, and are in engagement with a pair of nuts 19 which lock one end of the cleaning element 15 in tight positive engagement with the backing member 11. A retaining plate 20 is secured immediately adjacent the end of the backing member remote from the handle member 12 to position the opposite end of the textile backing 16 of the cleaning element 15 'between it and the inside surface of the backing member 11. This is achieved by a pair of bolts 21 extending through the retaining plate 20, the textile fabric 16, and the backing member 11, and are retained in locked relationship therewith by nuts 22. The cleaning element 15, due to the nature of its backing fabric and the innumerable metal bnistles extending therefrom, is sufficiently rigid to follow the convolute portion of the backing member 11 and be retained in position therein such that it will achieve the desired cleaning of the conductor cable without moving independent of the backing member 11.

The construction just described, as illustrated in FIG. 3, produces a convolutely wound cleaning device in which a circular presentation of the free ends of the metal bristles is achieved thereby insuring a complete coverage of the entire circumferential surface of the conductor by the metal tips when the cleaning device is placed in an operating condition in the manner shown in FIG. 3.

To utilize the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3, the free end of the hot stick is placed in the slot 13, with the prongs of the hot stick engaging the rigid members 14. The cleaning device is then elevated to engage overhead conductor cable, generally designated by scale or dirt therefrom. Moreover, the bristles will enter the crevices of the spirally wound conductor to likewise remove dirt and scale therefrom. The cleaning device 10, upon the completion of the cleaning of the conductor cable C, is rotated to remove the cleaning device 10 from the conductor cable C, and the hot stick, upon the lowering thereof, is detached therefrom.

It is believed obvious that this operation clearly illustrates the complete safety insofar as the worker is concerned when cleaning a hot conductor without fear of harm to the worker. At the same time, an efficient and effective cleaning of the conductor cable is achieved, thereby insuring the maintenance of a high electrical conductivity therethrough.

Reference is now to be had to FIG. 4 where another form or embodiment of a. cleaning device made in accordance with the present invention, and generally designated by reference numeral 30, is shown. This form of the invention is used solely for the cleaning of conductor cables which are not in use, in which the worker grasps the cleaning device 30 in his hand and places same in contact with the conductor cable to effect the desired cleaning thereof by direct hand actuation.

The hand actuated cleaning device 30 shown in FIG. 4 comprises a substantially cylindrical body member 31 having an elongated, axially extending slot in the under surface thereof and for the entire length of the body member 31. This construction defines a tubular member semicircular in cross-section providing access thereinto through the under surface thereof. The body member 31 may be made of any suitable material, such as for example, metal, plastic, or the like, but with this form of the invention, since it is to be manually operated, plastic is the preferred material to be employed. To insure a positive retention of the cleaning device 30 within the hand of the user, the outside surface is provided with a roughened or abrasive surface.

The conductor cleaning element to be employed in this form of the invention is illustrated as being the same material shown in the form of the invention in FIGS. 1-3, and accordingly like reference numerals will be employed.

The cleaning element 15 is the product known as carding cloth and comprises a textile backing fabric 16 and a plurality of tempered metal bristles 16a embedded at one end into the textile backing fabric 16 and extending outwardly therefrom in substantially transverse relationship therewith, with the free ends thereof providing the desired contacting surface for engagement with the conductor cable to be cleaned. The cleaning element 15 is secured to the inside surface of the body member 31 by bonding the free surface of the textile backing 16 to the inside surface of the body member 31 by means of an adhesive. However, it is to be clearly understood that the cleaning element can be secured to the body member 31 in detachable relationship therewith to permit the replacement of the cleaning element, when same is worn, in a manner similar to that shown in the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. l3.

As is shown in FIG. 4, the body member 31 is in the form of a slotted, tubular shell, with the cylindrical side members of the body member 31 extending well below the midpoint of the tubular shell. At the same time, it is to be noted that the cleaning element 15 secured to the inside surface of the body member 31 likewise extends just below the midpoint of the tubular member. This construction thus insures that when the cleaning device 30 embraces a conductor cable during a cleaning operation, over 50 percent of the circumferential surface of the conductor cable will be in engagement with the circumferential surface of the conductor.

This construction thus insures that when the cleaning device 30 is placed on the top of the conductor cable and the cleaning thereof is effected by the movement of the cleaning device therealong, and a repetition of this operation achieved from the bottom of the cable, the entire circumferential surface of the conductor cable will be in cleaning engagement with the bristles 16a. Having the free ends of the body member 31 likewise well below the midpoint, as well as below the free ends of the cleaning element 15, the workers hand cannot come into accidental engagement with the bristles during a cleaning operation, thereby further protecting the worker when utilizing the hand operated form of the invention.

In the utilization of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning device 30 is placed on the conductor cable with the bristles 16a in engagement with the conductor cable surface. A movement of the hand back and forth along the conductor cable results in a basic metal to metal contact between the free ends of the bristles 16a and the surface of the conductor cable, with the resulting removal of oxide scale and dirt therefrom. The cleaning device 30 is then rotated 90 degrees and the operation repeated, thereby insuring a full, complete, and rapid cleaning of the conductor wire. This particular construction, as hereinbefore described, provides a complete protection for the worker against accidental engagement with the bristles due to the free ends of the body member 31 lying well below the free end edges of the cleaning element 15.

Reference is now to be had to FIGS. 5-8 wherein another form of the invention made in accordance with the present invention is illustrated, and is generally designated by reference numeral 40.

The form of the invention shown in FIGS. 5-8 is patterned somewhat along the lines of the hand operated form shown in FIG. 4, but is adapted for use with conductor cables While in use, with the actuation of the cleaning device being achieved from the ground by means of a particular form of hot stick.

The cleaning device 40 comprises a body member 41, generally tubular in configuration and having an axially extending slot in the under surface thereof, and extending completely therethrough forming spaced lower free end edges 42 and 43 which lie well below the midpoint of the tubular shell or body member 41. The body member may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, metal or plastic, but in this form of the invention plastic is the preferred material. Moreover, in view of the fact that the cleaning device 40 is not to be directly manipulated by the hand, the outside surface thereof need not be roughened in the manner of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 4.

The cleaning element to be employed in this form of the invention is to be carding cloth of the same type hereinbefore described with other types of the invention, and accordingly the same reference numerals for the cleaning element will be utilized in the description of this form of the invention.

The cleaning element 15 includes the thick textile backing member 16 with the tempered metal bristles 16a extending outwardly from the surface thereof to form a metal bristle surface for engagement with the surface of the conductor C. The cleaning element 15 is secured to the inside surface of the body member 41 by means of an adhesive, although it is to be clearly understood that the cleaning element 15 may be secured to the inside surface of the body member 41 in fixed or detachable relationship by any suitable means. It is to be noted that the cleaning element 15 has been shown in bonded engagement with the backing member 41, with the free end edges thereof corresponding substantially to the free end edges 42 and 43 of the body member 41. This arrangement will positively insure a full circumferential engagement of the surface of the conductor cable during the cleaning thereof, when the cleaning device has been passed over the top surface, then rotated and passed over the under surface in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter. However, it is to be understood that the end edges of the cleaning element 15 may terminate short of the end edges 42 and 43 just so long as the end edges of the cleaning element 15 are at least at the midpoint of the body member 41, thereby insuring an engagement of at least 50 percent of the circumferential surface at any point, when the cleaning device 40 is in engagement with the conductor cable.

The cleaning device 40 may be provided with any mounting means for association with a hot stick to effect its operation thereof. One form of mounting means for association with a hot stick which has been found to be of particular utility for this form of the invention, and generally designated by reference numeral 44, is shown in FIGS. 5-8. As illustrated, the mounting means 44 comprises a semi-circular, arcuate collar member 45 having a centrally raised ridge portion 46 extending therearound, thereby providing reinforcing to the collar 45. The free ends 47 and 48 of the collar 45 are turned inwardly and are in engagement with the free end edges 42 and 43 of the body member 41. A lock screw 49 is .threadably secured through the reinforcing ridge 46 and the collar 45 centrally thereof to engage and lock the collar 45 in tight engagement with the body member 41. A shank member 51 extends outwardly from one side of the collar 45, with an actuating arm 52 secured at one end thereof and extending downwardly therefrom at substantially right angular relationship thereto. The actuating arm 52 is held in fixed relationship on the shank 51 by means of a nut 53. The lower or opposite end of the actuating arm 52 lies below the free end edges 42 and 43 of the body member 41 and has its inside face provided with a plurality of circularly positioned spaced teeth projections or portions 54 which function as an engaging face for the complementary teeth portions 55 of the hot stick 55. It is to be clearly understood that the mounting means just described is illustrative in character only, since there are a wide variety of mounting means readily apparent to effect the association of the cleaning device 49 with a hot stick whereby an operator standing on the ground can effect the cleaning of a conductor cable safely and efiiciently without removing the conductor cable from service.

To utilize the cleaning device 40 in the cleaning of a hot conductor cable, reference is now to be had to FIGS. 6-8. The cleaning device 40 is placed into engagement with the hot stick 56 by having the teeth 55 mesh with the teeth 54. In this initial position, the body member 41 will be facing downwardly and the cleaning device 40 is placed on the conductor cable C from above, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. This results in the free ends of the tempered metal bristles being in rubbing contact with over percent of the circumferential surface of the conductor cable C, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 6.

The hot stick 56 is then moved back and forth from the ground by an operator standing on the ground causing the cleaning device 40 to move back and forth along the conductor cable surface to effect the removal of the oxide scale and dirt on the surface thereof, as well as the dirt and oxide scale embedded between the crevices of the conductor ca'ble. When the top surface of the conductor cable has been cleaned, the cleaning device 40 is pushed upwardly from the conductor cable C and the hot stick 56 is then rotated, placing the body member 41 of the cleaning device 40 facing upwardly, as shown in FIG. 8. The cleaning device 40 is then pushed upwardly into enveloping contact with the surface of the conductor cable C, placing the free ends of the metal bristles 16a in circumferential enveloping relationship with the uncleaned surface of the conductor cable, as Well as overlapping with part of the conductor cable cleaned during the first stage of cleaning. The hot stick 56 is moved back and forth in the same manner as hereinbefore described in the cleaning of the upper or top surface of the cable C to effect the desired cleaning of the remaining portion of the conductor cable -C. The hot stick is then pulled downwardly by the operator and the cleaning device 56 disconnected therefrom.

While there have been described herein what are at present considered preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims, and that all modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be included therein.

I claim:

1. A cleaning and abrading tool for use on high voltage conductor cable comprising a spirally wound backing member forming a circular opening extending axially therethrough, a substantially stiff textile member secured to the inner surface of the backing member, a plurality of closely spaced, substantially stiff metal bristles of substantially uniform length secured at one end to said textile member and extending outwardly therefrom in a generally radial direction inwardly of said backing member, the free ends of said metal bristles forming a circle and adapted to engage the surface of the conductor cable during the cleaning thereof without coming into contact with the hand of a user, and means associated with said backing member for detachable engagement with an actuating handle to move said backing member back and forth along the conductor cable.

2. A cleaning and abrading tool for use on 'high voltage current conductor cable comprising a spirally wound backing member forming a circular passage extending axially therethrough, a substantially stiff textile member detachably connected to the inner surface of the backing member, a plurality of closely spaced, substantially stiff metal bristles of substantially uniform length secured at one end to said textile member and extending outwardly therefrom in a generally radial direction inwardly of said backing member, the free ends of said metal bristles forming a circle and adapted to engage the surface of the conductor cable during the cleaning thereof without coming into contact with the hand of a user, and means associated with said backing member for detachable engagement with an actuating handle to move said backing member back and forth along the conductor cable.

3. A cleaning and abrading tool for use on high voltage current conductor cable comprising a spirally wound backing member forming a circular passage extending axially therethrough, a substantially stiff textile member secured to the inner surface of the backing member, a plurality of closely spaced, substantially stiff metal bristles of substantially uniform length secured at one end to said textile member and extending outwardly therefrom in a generally radial direction inwardly of said backing member, the free ends of said metal bristles forming a circle and adapted to engage the surface of the conductor cable during the cleaning thereof without coming into contact with the hand of a user, and connecting means secured at one end of said backing member for detachable engagement with an actuating handle to move said backing memher back and forth along the conductor cable, said connecting means including a notch portion at one end of said backing member and a pair of outwardly angled ridge portions on the outer surface of said backing member in close proximity to said notch portion.

4. A cleaning and abrading tool for use on high voltage current conductor cable comprising a, hollow, tubular shaped backing member with open ends and having an insulated axially extending slot extending therein for the length of said member and being of a width greater than the diameter of the conductor cable to be cleaned, said backing member enveloping more than one-half the circumferential area of the conductor cable to be cleaned,- a substantially stiff textile member secured to the inner surface of said backing member, said stiff textile member enveloping at least 50% of the cable to be cleaned but less than the area enveloped by said backing member, and a plurality of closely spaced, substantially stiff metal bristles of substantially uniform length secured at one end to said textile member and extending outwardly therefrom in the same end generally radial direction inwardly of said backing member, said bristles being spaced inwardly from the open end of said backing member and from the edges formed by said slot so that the free ends of said metal bristles will engage the surface of the conductor cable during the cleaning thereof without coming into contact with the hand of a user. 7

5. A cleaning and abrading tool in accordance with claim 4 wherein the outer surface of the backing memher is roughened to permit ready retention thereof in the hands of a user.

6. A cleaning and abrading tool in accordance with claim 4 and further including means secured to said backing member for detachable engagement with an actuating handle to move said backing member back and forth along the conductor cable.

7. An abrading tool for use on electric conducting lines comprising a hollow tubular holder of insulating material with open ends and an opening along one side extending lengthwise from one open end to the other defined by side edges along said opening forming a slot of less width than the hollow size within the tubular holder, a plurality of closely spaced metallic wire bristles of substantially uniform length anchored at their outer ends to the inner surface of said holder with their free ends projecting generally in a radial direction inwardly of said tubular holder, the free ends of said bristles being disposed. to form an open channel of closely spaced individual cutting edges of a shape complementary with the shape of said holder and a slot of less width than the slot in the tubular holder, all of said bristles anchored to said holder adjacent the open ends of said holder and adjacent said side edges having their anchored ends spaced from said open ends and side edges a distance corresponding to the length of said bristles so that if bent in any direction the free ends of the bristles remain enclosed within the holder to protect the skin or gloves on a linemans hand from being damaged.

8. An abrading tool in accordance with claim 7 wherein a substantially stiff textile member is secured to the inside surface of said hollow tubular member, and said wibre bristles are anchored at their outer ends to the textile fa ric.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 606,482 6/1898 Gallagher 15-256.6

636,408 1 1/1'899 Hurvitz 15160 1,219,051 '3/1917 Tallaksen 15160 1,407,674 2/1922 Roepke 15-160 1,641,375 9/1927 Dailey 15104.04 1,710,127 4/1929 Vaughn 15l60 X 1,950,959 3/19 34 Winsette 15256.6 X 2,222,191 11/1940 Zisman 15-256.6 X 2,974,338 3/1961 Roth et 'al. 15256.6

WALTER A. SCHELL, Primary Examiner. CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Examiner.

WILLIAM I. PRICE, PETER PELDMAN, ROBERT W. JENKINS, Assistant Examiners. 

1. A CLEANING AND ABRADING TOOL FOR USE ON HIGH VOLTAGE CONDUCTOR CABLE COMPRISING A SPIRALLY WOUND BACKING MEMBER FORMING A CIRCULAR OPENING EXTENDING AXIALLY THERETHROUGH, A SUBSTANTIALLY STIFF TEXTILE MEMBER SECURED TO THE INNER SURFACE OF THE BACKING MEMBER, A PLURALITY OF CLOSELY SPACED, SUBSTANTIALLY STIFF METAL BRISTLES OF SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORM LENGTH SECURED AT ONE END TO SAID TEXTILE MEMBER AND EXTENDING OUTWARDLY THEREFROM IN A GENERALLY RADIAL DIRECTION INWARDLY OF SAID BACKING MEMBER, THE FREE ENDS OF SAID METAL BRISTLES FORMING A CIRCLE AND ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE SURFACE OF THE CONDUCTOR CABLE DURING THE CLEANING THEREOF WITHOUT COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE HAND OF A USER, AND MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID BACKING MEMBER FOR DETACHABLE ENGAGEMENT WITH AN ACTUATING HANDLE TO MOVE SAID BACKING MEMBER BACK AND FORTH ALONG THE CONDUCTOR CABLE. 